VP Singh & Karpuri Thakur Awards Presented; ‘Thodaruballi’ Book Released
Bengaluru, August 25: The Constitution of India is not merely a book, but a living aspiration of equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice, emphasized Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and Member of Parliament Thol. Thirumavalan. He stressed the pressing need to preserve the core values of secularism, pluralism, and social justice in contemporary society.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the joint award ceremony for the V.P. Singh and Karpuri Thakur Awards, alongside the book launch of Dr. M.S. Mani’s ‘Thodaruballi’, organized by the Karnataka Recognized Backward Classes Editors’ and Reporters’ Association and the V. Nagaraju Foundation at Gandhi Bhavan, Bengaluru.
Releasing the book, retired High Court Justice H. Nagamohan Das observed that a society that fails to honor its talents cannot progress economically or culturally. Highlighting the transformative power of literature, he noted that while many revolutions have shaped history, books have brought about a depth of change unmatched by any other medium.
“It is everyone’s duty to study society, document its challenges through books, and create public awareness. Dr. M.S. Mani stands as a role model in this endeavor. Reading books has become an essential necessity of our times,” Justice Das stated. He also underscored the vital role of media and journalism in building a democratic society, expressing concern over the current societal disconnect in identifying truth, righteousness, and justice.
H.M. Revanna, Chairperson of the State Government’s Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority, praised Dr. M.S. Mani as a thinker with profound social consciousness whose works propagate vital societal messages. He added that Dr. Mani’s work has inspired him to take up writing as well.
Prestigious Awards Conferred: Several notable personalities from various fields were felicitated during the event:
- V.P. Singh Award: Conferred upon Dr. Dinesh B. (Director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences), Dr. Nagesh Basavaraj (Cardiologist, Sparsh Hospital), senior journalists Dr. Raju Kambar, social workers Ra. Lakshminarayana (Chinni), and K.S. Somashekhar (Somanna).
- Karpuri Thakur Award: Honored H. Kantaraj (Former Chairman, Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission), Prof. B.K. Ravi (Vice-Chancellor, Bengaluru North University), M. Siddaraju (Former Chairperson, Karnataka Media Academy), and senior journalists Lakshman Kodase, Gangadhar Modaliyar, I.H. Sangamadeva, Ravi Bidenur (Ravindra B.), and Minitejaswi.
Additionally, K.V. Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, was acknowledged with gratitude.
The event witnessed the presence of author Dr. M.S. Mani, VCK MP Thol. Thirumavalan, H.M. Revanna, V. Nagaraju Foundation President Padma Nagaraju, RTO Officers Association President Mallikarjuna, Karnataka Information Commissioner B. Venkatsing, Special Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Chandrashekhara Ganganna Mudagal, Film Producer Prakash Palani, Association President Gandharva Sena, General Secretary Virupaksha Halagalale, Secretary Shivaraj, and Amureshanna Kamanakeri.
